Agaricus is a parasitic fungus that grows on tree trunks and branches. It has the shape of an inverted plate or horseshoe ingrown into a tree trunk. The second name of the fungus is larch sponge. She harms trees by draining their nutrients and storing them in her body.
It is these accumulations that have powerful healing properties that people have been using since ancient times.
Description
Even ancient healers knew about the healing properties of Agaricus (larch sponge). Application, reviews on the therapeutic effect of drugs based on it - will be presented neither. And today it is successfully used in traditional medicine and homeopathy.
Agaricus mushroom has a rough and rough surface, and inside it feels like a sponge, which is why it got its second name. Outside, it is painted white with small brown spots of various sizes, and inside it is white, sometimes with a yellowish tint.
This parasitic fungus was named larch because it usuallyfound on larch trunks, but can also be found on coniferous trees - firs and cedars, occasionally found on birches. For a tree, such a "guest" is extremely undesirable - it gradually destroys the wood, takes away all the nutrients from the plant.
Distribution
The fungus grows in the northeastern regions of Russia, but is especially common beyond the Urals - in the Far East and Siberia. Agaricus lives up to seventy-five years, while growing up to ten kilograms in weight and thirty centimeters in length.
Collection and procurement of raw materials
Agaricus (larch sponge) is widely used in folk medicine. Applications and reviews of its beneficial properties can often be found on the pages of special publications for herbalists.
Young mushrooms are harvested to obtain medicinal raw materials. As a rule, they are small in size and painted in a lighter color, and inside they are snow-white, soft and loose. Old mushrooms are hard, wood-like. Agaricus is harvested from early spring to mid-summer. Mushrooms are usually knocked down from trees with a strong stick or separated with an ax.
The harvest is carefully cleaned of hard bark and debris and dried in a well-ventilated area.
Instructions for use
Today, ready-made raw materials can be purchased at almost any phytopharmacy. You should not buy raw materials on the market, because no one guarantees you the quality.
Issue form
Produced as crushedbodies of a mushroom of white or cream color in packages, weighing 30 and 100 grams of agaricus. Instructions for use are indicated on the carton in which the package is packed.
Chemical composition
Agaricus contains:
- organic acids (fumaric, malic, agaricic, citric, ricinolic, eburicolic);
- mineral s alts;
- vitamins;
- resin (up to 80%);
- glucose;
- fatty oils;
- polysaccharides;
- phytosterols.
Healing properties
In ancient times, Agaricus was called the "elixir of life". The healing properties of the mushroom were considered universal. And today, with its help, traditional healers and homeopaths treat the following diseases:
- respiratory, including asthma;
- ulcers and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract;
- diabetes mellitus;
- Botkin's disease (jaundice);
- hormonal disorders;
- overweight.
Allows you to remove toxins and toxins, cleanse the body with parasitic infections and tumors, including cancer, the use of agaricus (medical sponge). And patient reviews confirm the powerful healing effect of this mushroom.
History of the use of Agaricus
Information about the wonderful properties of the larch sponge has been preserved since ancient times. The famous scientist and healer Avicenna mentioned her in his writings, recommending the use of the mushroom for various ailments.
There is a legend about King Mithridates, which tells that he, fearing attempts on his life, tooka potion prepared by court healers on the basis of agaricus, which protected against poisoning. When the king was defeated in one of the battles important for the state, he decided to take his own life and took the strongest poison, but it did not work - the protection that he gained thanks to the larch sponge was so strong.
The ancient Greeks also appreciated the healing properties of Agaricus. In their country, the mushroom did not grow, so they bought it on overseas voyages. They paid for it in silver - they gave away as much precious metal as dried mushrooms weighed.
Agaricus in modern medicine
Today Agaricus is widely used in homeopathy. Indications for use are:
- some gastrointestinal diseases;
- defeat by parasites-worms, opisthorchs;
- liver disease;
- respiratory diseases;
- oncology;
- overweight and hormonal disorders.
Agaricus-based preparations: infusion
To prepare the infusion, raw materials are crushed with a sharp knife. You can use ready-made powder purchased at a pharmacy. You will need a spoon of agaricus (tea), which should be placed in an enamel or glass dish and pour 1/4 liter of boiling water. Wrap the container with a warm towel and let the composition brew for eight hours. Then it is filtered and taken eighty milliliters three times a day. The infusion has a calming effect.
It should be noted that Agaricus does not have the most pleasant taste - itbitter. Therefore, various herbs (for example, mint), lemon, ginger, cinnamon, which are especially effective in the fight against excess weight, can be added to decoctions or infusions.
Decoction
Put a spoonful of dry raw materials (table) in an enamel bowl and pour 350 ml of chilled boiled water. Bring this mass to a boil, then reduce the heat and boil for half an hour. After this, the broth should be infused for about four hours. Strain it and take a tablespoon, three times a day before meals.
Alcohol tincture
Agaricus tincture is easy to prepare. A glass of dry raw materials is poured with alcohol (500 ml) and cleaned in a cool dark place for two weeks. From time to time the composition must be shaken. Take the tincture before meals three times a day for thirty drops.
Respiratory treatment
Since antiquity, tinctures and decoctions of Agaricus have been used as effective remedies for the treatment of most respiratory diseases. They are effective in inflammation of the lungs, chronic and acute bronchitis, pleurisy, and even tuberculosis. Sponge tincture (in water) helps to get rid of excessive sweating, which often accompanies lung diseases.
Gastrointestinal diseases and hormonal disorders
Lanophil contained in agaricus helps in the complex treatment of liver diseases. This polysaccharide has a beneficial effect on the functioning of our most important organ, promotes the rapid breakdown and removal of fats from the body, normalizes metabolism and fermentation in the liver. Therefore, drugson the basis of agaricus are indicated for many disorders in the liver: viral, as well as chronic hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis.
Larch sponge is very useful for constipation - this natural remedy has a powerful laxative effect. Agaricus infusions and decoctions are almost always part of complex therapy for the treatment of dysbacteriosis.
Cancer
Agaricus in oncology is prescribed during radio- and chemotherapy. Due to the ability of the plant to remove poisons and toxins from the body, preparations based on it help reduce the negative effects of radiation and reduce the side effects of potent chemicals.
When is Agaricus still recommended?
Agaricus-based preparations are used in therapy for hyperthyroidism. Doctors know the wound healing and hemostatic properties of the larch sponge. And healers of eastern countries recommend preparations based on agaricus to rejuvenate the body. They claim it can reverse aging.
Slimming
Do not think that this is a new development of modern homeopaths. Agaricus has been used for weight loss since ancient times. The property of the fungus to break down fats creates the necessary conditions for normal metabolism. In addition, its laxative properties also contribute to weight loss. And, of course, the normalization of the liver speeds up the process of fighting overweight.
To prepare an infusion for weight loss, you will need thirty grams of dry raw materials, which should be poured with 350 milliliters of hot, but not boiling water. Infuse the composition in a dark place for about eight hours. Then drain the contents into another container, add fifty milliliters of water and heat the infusion to 55 ° C. Strain and pour the remedy into a thermos. After twelve hours, the composition is ready for use. The finished product should be used within a day, then it loses its healing properties. Divide the entire volume of the infusion into equal portions and consume twenty minutes before a meal.
Contraindications and side effects
Despite the huge number of useful properties that agaricus (larch sponge) has, the use (patient reviews confirm this) should be in strict accordance with the recommended dosages. When they change, diarrhea and vomiting, itching and skin rashes can begin.
Taking preparations based on larch sponge is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating mothers, children under five years of age and the elderly. Some diseases of the intestines and liver are also contraindications, therefore, before using medicines, consultation with your doctor is required.
Agaricus (larch sponge): application, reviews
Most patients who used drugs in complex therapy for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, respiratory organs, believe that this is an effective and powerful remedy. However, they warn that without consulting a specialist, you should not engage inself-medication. The mushroom is poisonous, so it is especially important to follow the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
And people who are struggling with overweight believe that the effect that this mushroom gives is difficult to even compare with any diets or weight loss products. If most methods are aimed at splitting already formed fat cells, then preparations prepared on the basis of agaricus make the liver work in such a way that enzymes are produced in the right amount to prevent the excessive appearance of fat cells.
